Hainan Classic: Marco Penge claims maiden DP World Tour title

England’s Marco Penge claimed his maiden DP World Tour title – just two months after returning from a betting ban.

The 26-year-old was given a three-month ban in December for placing bets on multiple events, with one month suspended for a year.

Since returning to action, Penge had finished third at the South African Open in March, and followed that up by securing a three-shot victory at the Hainan Classic in China on Sunday.

Penge, who joined the European-based tour last year, started the day in a share of the lead with China’s Xiao Bowen and was one shot behind Sean Crocker as he began the back nine.

But he hit three straight birdies from the 12th to go clear before finishing with a five-under 67 to seal the win on 17 under par.

American Crocker finished in a tie for second with Norway’s Kristoffer Reitan on 14 under, with Denmark’s Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen a shot further back.

“This means the world to me,” said Penge. “It’s something that I’ve always dreamt of achieving – winning on the biggest stage.

“After my time off it was the thing that I wanted to really prove to myself and prove to everyone, to show what a player I am.

“My caddie, through that time, has been my rock. And my wife and my whole team – I wouldn’t be where I am without them.”

Victory saw Penge finish third on the DP World Tour’s Asian Swing standings so he also earned a spot at the US PGA Championship at Quail Hollow.

Japan’s Keita Nakajima, who finished in a tie for 11th on Sunday, was top of the standings ahead of Spain’s Eugenio Chacarra, so both will also be heading to the year’s second major next month.